There's a bit of a stir in June when Patriots quarterback Tom Brady applied for a trademark on the phrase "Tom Terrific" because of the nickname being associated with Hall of Famer pitcher Tom Seaver.

While the trademark filing was related to use of the phrase for merchandising, Brady said he did not intend to use it that way because he did not like the nickname and wanted. Brady called it "unfortunate" that he considered to be the trademark to interfere with Seaver or his family.

It may all be a moot point now. Mike Reiss of ESPN.com Brady's application on the grounds that Brady has six applications, "Brady has six applications."

Brady has six months to respond to the USPTO's ruling. If he does not, the application will be abandoned altogether.